For most students, finding community outside of the classroom is an important part of HGSE. We asked several students to share their experiences with different organizations. Sakshi Khurana is a master’s student in HGSE’s Prevention Science and Practice program.
Tell us about your organization (size of membership, how long its been around, goals, who can join)
‘Nichiren Buddhism in Daily Life’ student club is an affiliate of Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA). It is open to anyone and everyone at Harvard! The purpose of the club is to serve as a community where we can gather and learn how to master the art of living and becoming happy; where we can share our worries and concerns, and learn how Buddhism can be applied and practiced to overcome several challenges we face in life.
SGI-USA is the most diverse Buddhist community in the United States with more than 500 chapters and some 100 centers throughout the country. SGI-USA is part of the larger SGI network, which comprises more than 12 million people in 192 countries and territories around the world. SGI members base their practice on the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Buddhism, which teaches that each person has within the courage, wisdom and compassion to face and surmount any of life’s challenges. Based on core Buddhist principles such as respecting the dignity of human life and the interconnectedness of self and the environment, SGI engages in various peace activities, including human rights education, the movement to abolish nuclear weapons and efforts to promote sustainable development.
The Buddhist club at HGSE held its first meeting on the 25th of November, 2019, and had 15 participants from HGSE, HKS, HMS and leaders from SGI-USA. We discussed how Buddhism can be applied in student life, and reflected on questions about our journey at Harvard till now and how we would like to use our education to contribute to society and live a meaningful life. We ended with some pizza and beverages
What sort of events and programming does your group have?
The club holds bi-weekly meetings in which we will carry out discussions on Buddhist philosophy, chanting a Buddhist mantra, and have an SGI-USA leader answer questions about Buddhism that attendees might have, and deliver an encouragement which can be applied in our lives. (We end each meeting with some interesting food and beverages 😃)
What type of commitment are members expected to make? (Mandatory attendance, drop-in, etc.)
No expectations 😊 The attendees’ presence is precious, and is always cherished!
Why did you join this group?
I initiated meetings for this group because of the immense benefits and joy I have experienced through my practice of Buddhism, over the past 7 years. I’m excited to share this philosophy and transformational experiences with my colleagues who can also benefit from this life philosophy.
How does your group connect to Harvard and/or specifically HGSE?
The club offers a space for everyone to just be themselves, and learn a tool to manifest the wisdom, courage and compassion from within their lives, while not getting defeated by any obstacles that come their way. The Buddhist philosophy helps students bring forth the strength and courage to face the challenges of student life, and foster a determination to win each day to create a today better than yesterday, by creating a self today that is better than yesterday.
Anything else?
This club is open to all! Please join in any of the meetings and we’d be really happy and excited to see you! For more information, please contact Sakshi @351-444-8797.
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